Do you happen to have an unused phone, tablet, or electronic device collecting dust in a drawer somewhere? Well, that device can soon be used for a good cause.
Old laptops, broken printers, and forgotten cell phones can get a second life tomorrow as Mississippi celebrates International E-Waste Day with TechCycle, a free recycling event at Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland.
TechCycle’s theme this year, “Recycle your E-Waste — It’s Critical!,” aims to highlight the importance of safely handling and recovering valuable materials from discarded devices.
The program is presented in partnership with Renaissance at Colony Park, Technology Conversation Group, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the Mississippi Recycling Coalition, and Keep Mississippi Beautiful. These organizations are working jointly to provide residents with an easy and secure way to recycle outdated electronics, including computers, monitors, printers, phones, and other small IT equipment.
“This event is about more than just recycling,” Beth Zito, managing director at Technology Conservation Group, said. “It’s about empowering individuals and organizations to make small choices that add up to a big difference. Every device responsibly recycled helps protect our environment, conserve valuable materials, and move Mississippi forward toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing types of waste worldwide. The United Nations estimates that less than one-fourth of all e-waste is formally collected and recycled. Improper disposal can release hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium into soil and water.
Through this collaboration, Technology Conservation Group will oversee the secure processing and certified recycling of all collected devices in compliance with state and federal environmental standards. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the Mississippi Recycling Coalition, and Keep Mississippi Beautiful will use the event to raise awareness about responsible e-waste handling and sustainable materials management.
“Partnerships like this show what’s possible when community, business, and government work together,” Zito said. “By joining forces on International E-Waste Day, we’re providing Mississippians a simple way to do the right thing — keeping harmful materials out of the environment and ensuring our resources are conserved for generations to come.”
Accepted items on Tuesday are: computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, TVs, printers, phones, and small networking devices. No large appliances or hazardous materials allowed. The event runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the parking lot, near Barnes & Noble and I-55. Admission is free and open to all.
